Farmers in Vernon are adapting to water constraints in the locality. The Stage 3 limitations were enforced by the Regional District of the North Okanagan and the Greater Vernon Water Utility due to alarmingly low reservoir and lake levels. One of the measures includes a mandatory 70% reduction in water usage for all farmers.
Adrian Arts, a farmer and the executive director of the B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, expressed concerns about the proposed water reductions, stating that such drastic cuts could harm or even kill trees in orchards. The B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association is urging government support to assist producers and safeguard the future of agriculture in B.C.
Following the restrictions initiated in early June, key water users, primarily farmers, engaged in discussions with the regional district and Greater Vernon Water. David Sewell from the Regional District of North Okanagan mentioned that farmers have the option to redistribute their water quotas among themselves.
Amanda Summerfelt, the water efficiency co-ordinator at Greater Vernon Water, noted the community’s overall compliance with the restrictions, which include prohibitions on activities like lawn watering, pool filling, and boat washing. She mentioned that there has been a noticeable 48% decrease in water consumption in the Greater Vernon area post-implementation of the restrictions.
Certain entities in the area, such as golf courses and specific fields, utilize reclaimed water, which is not subject to restrictions. The water utility has also temporarily switched some residents in the Lavington area to an alternative water source to prioritize surface water for agricultural purposes.